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    Home » Recipes

    Smoked Burger Recipe on Pellet Grill

    Published: May 9, 2021 · Modified: Jul 11, 2022 by Jeri Walker · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

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    Long pin for smoked burgers with the burger in a hamburger bun and covered with melted cheese
    Long pin for smoked burgers with the burger in a hamburger bun and covered with melted cheese

    This smoked burger recipe on the pellet grill makes the absolute best burgers. These smoked burgers are quick to prepare and even easier to cook. Let the pellet smoker do the work for one hour, and then do a quick sear on each side and... done! You will be enjoying the best-tasting burgers in no time! The smoke from the grill adds such a delicious flavor to the meat, and the smoked burgers are so juicy and tender.

    Smoked burger fresh off the pellet grill in a homemade air bun with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

    See the step-by-step recipe in the recipe card below.

    Outdoor grilling season is in full swing, and I am so lovin' it! It's the perfect time to be outside, especially with the hot weather we've had this year. I much prefer to be outside cooking on a hot summer day than inside.

    I have been busy cooking up some amazing meals on my pellet grill. Some of our favorites are Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill, Smoked Pork Loin, and Smoked Chuck Roast.

    These juicy burgers also go well with Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Extra Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes, Baked Beans, Carrot Salad, Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta, or a green salad. Plus, I serve them on my Old Fashioned Homemade Air Buns, which are so delicious!

    We love this hamburger recipe because not only is it super quick and easy (you should know by now that's my motto), but the burgers are so juicy and delicious.

    The best part is.... they don't shrink up...at all! They stay almost the same size that you make them. Amazing! No more hard little hockey pucks for burgers. Those days are over!

    This is one of the best burger recipes I have made, and my entire family loves them. We serve them quite often when we have company. They have such amazing flavor, and turn out every time!

    The first time I made these burgers, I was amazed at how well they turned out! The inside had a lovely pink color from the smoking process.

    The second time I made these burgers, I used ground sirloin and they had even more flavor!

    No matter what, these burgers will be a huge hit!

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    Jump to:
    • More favorite recipes
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment needed
    • How to make the burger patties
    • How to smoke burgers
    • Favorite smoked hamburger toppings
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • What sides go well with smoked burgers?
    • FAQs
    • Top Tips
    • Love this recipe? Try these recipes:
    • 📋 Recipe
    • More Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    Why this recipe works

    • The smoke flavor really elevates these burgers to the next level. This is really the best way to make hamburgers.
    • These burgers are super juicy with a great smoky flavor.
    • This is an easy recipe with very little prep time required.
    • You don't have to worry about flare-ups on the electric smoker as you do on a gas grill.
    • These burgers will be the star of the show at your backyard barbecue. Everyone will love them.
    • Make these great burgers ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to put them on the smoker.
    • This delicious recipe is easily scalable. You can half, double, or triple the recipe to feed a few people or a lot of people.

    Ingredients

    This is a really small ingredient list. All you need for this smoked burger recipe are:

    • 2 pounds of ground beef. Beef with at least 15% fat makes for the juiciest burger. A higher fat content will give you a juicier burger. Ground chuck makes a tasty burger too. You can also use ground turkey or chicken. I have also used our own meat in the freezer (ground venison), and they tasted fantastic too!
    • 2 eggs. They act as a binder to hold the burgers together.
    • 3 teaspoon of hamburger seasoning. I used the Watkins brand, but the ClubHouse brand is really good too. Just use whichever one looks good at the grocery store. If you want to make your own seasoning try this recipe, it is made with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. You can also use your favorite dry rub you have on hand. You won't need much salt as their is already salt in the hamburger seasoning.
    • 1 cup of Panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs or rolled oats).

    These burgers are so tasty and so delicious you don't need anything else. The smoke from the wood pellets adds all the flavor you need.

    Equipment needed

    • Pellet grill/smoker. I have used both a Traeger smoker and a Pit Boss smoker to make these burgers. Traeger burgers are just as good as Pit Boss burgers. 🙂
    • Wood pellets. I recommend Hickory pellets (my favorite) to give the burgers a slight bacon flavor, or Competition Blend pellets. Mesquite pellets would also be a good choice. The type of wood does make a difference. A stronger wood will give the burgers a stronger flavor.
    • Meat thermometer. This is a must for checking to see if the burgers are done. No one wants an undercooked burger.

    How to make the burger patties

    The first step is to add eggs, hamburger seasoning, and bread crumbs to a large bowl.

    In a bowl add 2 eggs, hamburger seasoning, and breadcrumbs

    Stir ingredients together until well mixed.

    Mix ingredients of hamburgers until well mixed

    Add in ground beef and mix well. You will have to get in there with your hands to get it mixed evenly.

    Add hamburger meat to ingredients and mix until well combined

    Form burger mixture into ½-inch to 1-inch thick patties, just a little bit wider than the buns you will be using. I mistakenly made my patties much larger than the buns thinking they would have a lot of shrinkage in the burger size... but nope! There was hardly any shrinkage, and the burger buns looked so tiny.

    The important part is to make the hamburger patties in equal portions so they cook evenly.

    Next, place patties on a tray, and let's head to the grill!

    HINT: Make smash burgers by rolling the meat into balls of equal portions, then smashing them down with the bottom of a frying pan.

    Form burger patties by hand

    How to smoke burgers

    Preheat your grill to a temperature of 225 degrees F. Make sure you have topped it up with wood pellets of your choice.

    Place hamburger patties in the preheated smoker directly on the grill grate.

    Hamburger patties on the pellet grill

    Cook for about 1 hour at 225 degrees F until the internal temperature of the burgers, measured in the middle of the thickest part, reaches 165 degrees.

    Hamburgers were seared for 2 minutes on each side and have a nice charcoal outside

    Once the hamburgers reach 165 degrees, turn up the grill to 400 degrees F. Slide open the flame broiler slider using tongs, and now you can sear your burgers over an open wood fire. This gives the burgers a lovely char on the outside with grill lines. Don't go anywhere! This step goes fast!

    A smoked burger with nice char lines from the grill

    Sear burgers on high heat for 2 minutes, then flip burgers, add a cheese slice to the top of each patty (and BBQ sauce if you like), and cook for 2 minutes more.

    Burgers topped with cheese smoking on the grill

    Remove smoked burgers and serve them hot off the grill.

    Remove cooked burgers from grill with tongs and place on a tray to serve

    That's it. Serve on buns (toasted on the grill) or wrapped in lettuce if you are on the keto diet or a low-carb diet, and add your favorite condiments and sides. Now enjoy the best burgers you have ever tasted.

    Smoked burger on a bun with whole sweet peppers in the background

    Favorite smoked hamburger toppings

    • Cheese (of course). We prefer white cheddar, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, pepper jack, or swiss. (Or leave it off for dairy-free).
    • Barbecue sauce. I found we don't even need the sauce; the burgers have plenty of flavor on their own from the smoke. But if you love it, feel free to use it.
    • Bacon. It's bacon; need I say more?
    • Sliced tomato
    • Sliced onion
    • Fresh lettuce or spinach
    • Ketchup
    • Mustard (we prefer Dijon).
    • Avocado mayo.
    • Slices of avocado.
    • Onion rings.

    Variations

    You can easily change some of the ingredients to get a different flavor. Some great ones to try are:

    • For a little bit of spice, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.
    • Add some barbecue sauce at the last minute of the cook time if desired.
    • Add some finely chopped onion to the raw beef mixture for added flavor.
    • You can also add finely chopped jalapenos to the burger mix for an added kick.
    • Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

    Storage

    FRIDGE: Store the burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 3-4 days.

    FREEZER: Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap and place them in a Ziploc bag. Place the bag in the freezer, where the burgers will keep for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

    What sides go well with smoked burgers?

    • Onion rings
    • French fries
    • Waffle fries
    • Sweet potato fries
    • Oven-roasted potatoes
    • Air fryer potatoes
    • Baked beans
    • Coleslaw
    • Carrot Salad
    • Air Fryer Carrots
    • Air Fryer Broccoli
    Overhead view of smoked burgers with melted cheese.

    FAQs

    What kind of pellets do I use?

    My favorite pellets are Hickory pellets as they give the burgers a slight bacon flavor, or Competition Blend pellets which are a combination of maple, hickory, and cherry wood.

    Why does my burger look pink? Is it cooked?

    When you smoke a burger on the grill, the smoke has a chemical reaction with the meat and turns it pink. That is why it is important to have a temperature probe when smoking meat to make sure it is cooked. The burgers are fully cooked as soon as the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

    Do I need to flip my burgers when smoking them?

    Nope! No flipping is required until the end when it's time to sear the burgers.

    How do I make sure my burgers don't dry out?

    Do not overhandle the meat when preparing the patties, and don't push down on the burgers with a spatula while cooking on the grill. In fact, don't flip them or do anything to the burgers until it's time to sear them at the end.

    Top Tips

    • For best results, make burgers roughly the same size, so they cook evenly. Remember that thin patties may cook quicker than thick patties.
    • Do not overhandle the meat. When you overmix the ground beef, you'll end up with a tough and chewy burger, and no one wants that!
    • Use a burger press to make beef patties quickly.
    • Don't press down on the burgers while they are cooking. You don't want to squeeze that yummy burger juice out.
    • If you make thicker burgers, you will have to allow extra time for smoke time.
    • Serve these delicious burgers on homemade buns.

    Smoked burgers are a great way to show off your grilling talents to your friends and family. So go ahead, get grilling!

    Love this recipe? Try these recipes:

    • Smoked Chuck Roast
    • Best Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill
    • Smoked Corn on the Cob
    • Easy Smoked Chili Recipe
    • Smoked Chicken Breasts
    • Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
    • Smoked Chicken Thighs

    If you tried this Smoked Burger Recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!

    You can also Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

    📋 Recipe

    Smoked burger fresh off the pellet grill in a homemade air bun with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

    Smoked Burger Recipe on Pellet Grill

    Smoking burgers on the pellet grill is the absolute best way to cook a burger. These are quick to prepare and even easier to cook. Let the pellet smoker do the work for one hour, and then do a quick sear on each side and... done! You will be enjoying the best-tasting burgers in no time! The smoke from the grill adds such a delicious flavor to the meat, and the smoked burgers are so juicy and tender.
    4.99 from 69 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 512kcal
    Author: Jeri Walker
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pit Boss Pellet Grill
    • Meat Thermometer
    • Competition Blend wood pellets

    Ingredients

    • 2 eggs
    • 3 teaspoon hamburger seasoning
    • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
    • 2 pounds ground beef

    Instructions

    How to make the hamburger patties

    • In a medium-size bowl, add eggs, hamburger seasoning, and bread crumbs. Stir until well mixed. Add in ground beef and mix well. You will have to get in there with your hands to get it mixed together evenly.
    • Form patties that are about ½-inch to 1-inch thick and just a little bit wider than the buns you will be using. Place patties on a tray, and let's head to the grill!

    How to smoke burgers

    • Preheat your grill. Then, set the temperature to 225 degrees F. Make sure you have topped it up with wood pellets of your choice.
    • When the grill has reached the correct temperature, place hamburger patties on the grill.
    • Cook for about 1 hour at 225 degrees F until the internal temperature of the burgers, measured in the middle of the thickest part, reaches 165 degrees F.
    • Once the hamburgers reach 165 degrees F, turn up the grill to 400 degrees F. Slide open the flame broiler slider using tongs, and now you can cook your burgers over an open wood fire. Don't go anywhere! This step goes fast!
    • Sear burgers for 2 minutes, then flip burgers, add cheese (and BBQ sauce if you like), and cook for 2 minutes more. That's it!
    • Serve on buns (toasted on the grill if you like, or wrapped in lettuce if you are on the keto diet or a low-carb diet), and add your favorite condiments and sides. Now enjoy the best burger you have ever tasted.

    Notes

    Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
    Top Tips:
    • Make burgers roughly the same size, so they cook evenly.
    • Do not overhandle the meat. When you overmix the ground beef, you'll end up with a tough and chewy burger, and no one wants that!
    • Don't press down on the burgers while they are cooking. You don't want to squeeze that yummy burger juice out.
    • You can safely store leftover cooked burgers in the fridge in a container with a tight-fitting lid for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.  
    Storage:
    Fridge: Store the burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 3-4 days.
    Freezer: Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap and place it in a Ziploc bag. Place the bag in the freezer, where the burgers will keep for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 512kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 365mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
    L❤️VE this recipe? PIN it for later! 😊Mention @windingcreek_ranch or tag #windingcreek_ranch on IG!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amy Liu Dong

      August 19, 2022 at 11:19 pm

      5 stars
      Such a good and tasty burger, seeing this makes my mouthwatering!
      Yum!

      Reply
    2. Jules

      August 19, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      A perfect amount of egg used, made them bind so well!

      Reply
    3. Linda Morris

      July 27, 2022 at 9:30 am

      While smoking at 225 for 1 hour do you close the grill grates so there is no open flame and only open while upping heat to 400?

      Reply
      • Jeri

        July 27, 2022 at 10:34 am

        Hi, Linda. Yes, that is exactly what you do. Let me know how they turn out! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Lindsay

      July 02, 2021 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      Ok this is seriously cool! I've never thought to smoke a burger but love this recipe!

      Reply
    5. Sondra Barker

      July 02, 2021 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      These burgers are delicious! PErfect for summer get-togethers!

      Reply
    6. Adriana Lopez

      May 10, 2021 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect for grilling season can't wait to try!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 12, 2021 at 12:29 pm

        Let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    7. Lexa

      May 10, 2021 at 2:28 pm

      This burger looks incredible. Can‘t wait to try it once the weather finally allows it here in Canada!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 12, 2021 at 12:30 pm

        Let me know how you like it!

        Reply
    8. Katie Youngs

      May 10, 2021 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      I've never tried a smoked burger before! It's sounds like an easier way to make a burger. I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Jeri

        May 12, 2021 at 12:31 pm

        It is so incredibly easy! I definitely recommend you try it if you have the chance!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jeri!

    I'm a passionate home cook who loves creating easy and delicious recipes for busy families! My goal is to help you make tasty meals quickly so you can spend more time on what matters most-- family!

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